chapter 1 introduction wondwossen bogale (phd) assistant

Wondwossen Bogale (PhD)

Assistant Professor, Addis Ababa Institute

of Technology, AAU

[email protected]

Chapter 1

Introduction

OUTLINE

Module 1: Introduction

Module 2: Define Research Problem

Module 3: Research Design

Module 4 : Data Collection

Module 5 : Processing ,Analysis and Interpretation of data

Module 6 : Report Writing

Module 7 : Proposal Writing

Module 8 : Scientific Paper Writing

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1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Meaning of Research

• Research can be defined as an art of investigation

– Process of arriving at dependable solutions to

problems through systematic data collection,

analysis and interpretation of data

• A systematized effort to gain new knowledge; a

movement from the known to unknown

• Research deals with discovering, interpreting and

developing of methods and systems for the

advancement of human knowledge

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4 AAiT Addis Ababa Institute of Technology

Examples

How to increase the efficiency of

gas turbine ? How to avoid corrosion problems

of Superheater tube bundles ?

How can we capture the real wind

flow pattern in complex terrain ?

How to improve Biomass cooking

systems in Ethiopia ?


Examples

CFD Experimental result


Examples

Gasification model


Examples

Energy Balance for a Country

1. INTRODUCTION

The research process :

• The process is initiated with a question or problem

(Step 1)

• Next, goals and objectives are formulated to deal

with the question or problem (Step 2)

• Then the research design is developed to achieve

the objectives (Step 3)

• Results are generated by conducting the research

(Step 4)

• Interpretation and analysis of results follow (Step 5)

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1. INTRODUCTION

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1.2. OBJECTIVE OF RESEARCH

• The purpose of research is to discover answers to

questions through the application of scientific

procedures

• The main aim of research is to find out the truth which

is hidden and which has not been discovered yet

Though each research study has its own specific purpose,

we may think of research objectives as falling into a

number of following broad groupings

• To gain familiarity with a phenomenon

• To know accurately the characteristics a problem

• To test a hypothesis of a causal relationship between

variables

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1.3. MOTIVATION FOR RESEARCH

What makes people to undertake research? This is a

question of fundamental importance.

The possible motives for doing research may be either

one or more of the following :

• Desire to get a research degree

• Desire to face the challenge in solving the unsolved

problems

• Desire to get intellectual joy of doing some creative

work

• Desire to be of service to society

• Desire to get respectability

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1.4. TYPES OF RESEARCH

The basic types of research are as follows :

1. Descriptive vs. Analytical

2. Applied vs. Fundamental

3. Quantitative vs. Qualitative

4. Conceptual vs. Empirical

5. Some Other Types of Research: All other types of

research are variations of one or more of the above

stated approaches, based on either the purpose of

research, or the time required to accomplish research,

on the environment in which research is done, or on

the basis of some other similar factor.

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1.4.1. DESCRIPTIVE VS. ANALYTICAL

• In descriptive research, the researcher has to only

report what is happening or what has happened

• The main characteristic of this method is the

researcher has no control over the variables, he

can only report what has happened or what is

happening

• In analytical research, the researcher has to use

the already available facts or information, and

analyze them to make a critical evaluation of the

subject

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• Analytical research attempts to explain why and

how. It usually concerns itself with cause – effect

relations among variables

• The distinction between descriptive and analytical

research is based on the question it asks.

Descriptive research attempts to determine,

describe, or identify what is, while analytical

research attempts to establish why it is that way

• Example : Explaining why and how the Ethiopian

trade balance move in a particular way.

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Descriptive Research Analytical Research

Describe characteristics of a group Explains characteristics of a group

Is more exploratory It is more explanatory

Answer the question “What?”

<>

Answer the question “Why?”

Hypothesis needed No hypothesis needed?

The researcher only reports what is

happening or what has happened.

Uses the available facts or information, and analyze

them to make a critical evaluation of the subject.

Example : Examining the fluctuation

of Ethiopian trade balance in 2019

Example: Explaining why and how the Ethiopian

trade balance move in a particular way.

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1.4.2. APPLIED VS. BASIC

• An attempt to find solution to an immediate problem

encountered by a firm, an Industry, a business

organization, or the Society is known as Applied

Research.

• Gathering knowledge for knowledge’s sake is ‘Pure’ or

‘Basic’ or ‘Fundamental’ Research.

• An attempt to find solution to an immediate problem

encountered by a firm, an Industry, a business

organization, or the Society is known as Applied

Research.

• Gathering knowledge for knowledge’s sake is ‘Pure’ or

‘Basic’ or ‘Fundamental’ Research.

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• Basic research - Theoretical understanding

- Advancement of knowledge

• Applied research - Practical application of science

- Solve practical problems

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Basic Research Applied Research

Expands existing knowledge Solves practical problem

Theoretical in nature Practical in Nature

Less associated with technologies Associated with advancement of

Technology

Predicts future problems Creates solutions for future problems

Usually does not have direct commercial

objectives

Has direct commercial objectives

Curiosity driven Clint or demand driven

Wider scope Specific in scope

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1.4.3. QUANTITATIVE VS. QUALITATIVE

• Quantitative research is a more logical and data-led

approach which provides a measure of what people

think from a statistical and numerical point of view.

For example, if you wanted to know how many of your

customers support a proposed change in your products

or service and how strongly (on a scale) they support

it.

• Quantitative research largely uses methods such as

questionnaires and surveys with set questions and

answers that respondents tick from a predefined

selection. Answers can be measured in strengths of

feeling such as ‘strongly agree’ ‘disagree’ or numbers.

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• Unlike quantitative research which relies on numbers

and data, qualitative research is more focused on how

people feel, what they think and why they make

certain choices. For example, if you are thinking of

changing your branding you would carry out qualitative

research to see what emotional reactions people have

to the new identity and what they associate it with.

• Qualitative research is largely led with discussion

around certain concepts or ideas with open

questioning. Attendees are encouraged to explain or

describe their reasons for having certain responses

which can reveal underlying motivations, associations

and behavioral triggers.

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• Quantitative research aim to measure the

quantity or amount and compares it with past

records and tries to project for future period

• If you want to get inside your customers’ minds you

need to do qualitative research. Face-to-face

interviews and focus groups can provide valuable

insights into your products, your market and your

customers.

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1.4.3. CONCEPTUAL VS. EMPIRICAL

• Conceptual research is that related to some abstract

idea(s) or theory. It is generally used by philosophers

and thinkers to develop new concepts.

• Conceptual research focuses on the concept or theory

that explains or describes the phenomenon being

studied. What causes disease? How can we describe the

motions of the planets? The conceptual researcher sits

at his desk with pen in hand and tries to solve these

problems by thinking about them.

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1.4.3. CONCEPTUAL VS. EMPIRICAL

• On the other hand, empirical research relies on

experience or observation alone, often without

due regard for system and theory.

• It is data-based research, coming up with

conclusions which are capable of being verified

by observation or experiment.

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1.5. EXPERIMENTAL VS. SIMULATION

• Experimental research helps to see the effects of

dependent variable & to explore a particular event.

• The researcher manipulates one or more variables

and controls and measures any change in other

variables using experimental approach.

• Before doing the experiment, it is good to know

what variables are to be tested and how they can

be controlled and measured.

• Laboratory based experiment is very helpful

procedure before developing or scale up the given

technology.

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• Simulation involves devising a representation in a small

and simplified form (model) of a system, which can be

manipulated to gauge effects.

• It is similar to experimental design in the respect of this

manipulation, but it provides a more artificial

environment in that it does work with original materials

at the same scale. Models can be mathematical or

physical

• The performance of the model must be checked and

calibrated against the real system to check that the

results are reliable. Simulation enables theoretical

situations to be tested – what if ?

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• Efficiency Improvement of Power Plant: Suppose we

want to improve the efficiency of large power plant.

However, it may need a huge investment to improve the

efficiency experimentally. Therefore, before going to the

decision, we have to perform simulation and optimization

so as the result from the simulation will help us to decide.

• Automotive related research: Before manufacturing a

car, the design will be checked from different perspective

using simulation: Strength, aerodynamics of the shape,

Fuel Economy and Environmental impact. The simulation

will also be validated using experimental result. Thus, it will

help us to better understand the system before going to

manufacturing.

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• Human Body heat Transfer: Suppose we want to study in

detail the heat transfer phenomena of our body, it is very

difficult to study this heat transfer phenomena

experimentally, thus simulation can be done.

• Manufacturing Plant layout design: Layout of a company,

material flow, Operational requirement, process flow,

sequence of operation, cost of operation using virtually. What

is the best operational cost, less time and convenience?

• Transportation network: Considering transportation load,

number of vehicles, routes, number of passengers, how to

serve the users can be simulated without actually engaging

in the transportation. In doing that we can increase service

quality, cost optimization, travel distance optimization.

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• Electrical Transmission losses: The electrical

distribution loss in Addis Ababa is assumed to be 20 % to

22.7%. Thus, doing research in reducing these losses and

giving recommendation for the government has a huge

benefits. This can don using simulation.

• Improving construction quality: Improving the quality of

road, building and other infrastructure related constriction

must be improved.

• Ergonomic Design (Workstation Design): Considering

the work situation, the input to the work and the human

body measurement in a given community , it is possible to

simulate virtually the workstation that can give a productive

environment.

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• Experimental research needs high investment

compared to simulation. However, we can have

more confidence to use the experimental research

output directly to the intended purpose. The

researcher may choose either simulation or

experimental approach or both of them to solve a

given problem. However, it is very important to

understand the basic science. Without knowing the

science in detail using simulation or experimental

result, will lead to confusion.

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1.6. RESEARCH APPROACHES

• According to types of research discussed, there

can be two approaches to research:

– Quantitative approach

– Qualitative approach

• Quantitative approach can be further divided into 3 groups:

• Inferential approach – infer characteristics of a phenomenon through collection of data – example CO2 emission.

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1.6. RESEARCH APPROACHES

• Experimental approach – Researcher deliberately changes some variables to know the causal effect- example – effect of temperature rise on plant growth under open sky.

• Simulation approach – Researcher artificially

construct an environment and data can be

generated. This permits an observation of the

dynamic behavior of a system under controlled

conditions.

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1.6. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH

• Research has its special significance in solving

various problems : Energy, Water, Technology,

Food….

• Research inculcates scientific and inductive

thinking and it promotes the development of

logical habits of thinking and organization.

• Research provides the basis for nearly all

government policies in our economic system.

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1.6. SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH

• The role of research in several fields of applied

economics, whether related to business or to the

economy as a whole, has greatly increased in

modern times.

• Research is equally important for social scientists

in studying social relationships and in seeking

answers to various social problems

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1.7. RESEARCH METHODS VERSUS METHODOLOGY

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RESEARCH METHODS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research methods are the

methods by which you conduct

research into a subject or a

topic

Research methods involve

conduct of experiments, tests,

surveys and the like.

Research methods aim at finding

solutions to research problems

Research methodology explains

the methods by which you may

proceed with your research

Research methodology involves

the learning of the various

techniques that can be used in

the conduct of research and in

the conduct of tests,

experiments, surveys and

critical

Research methodology aims at

the employment of the correct

procedures to find out solutions

1.8. IMPORTANCE OF KNOWING HOW RESEARCH IS DONE

• The study of research methodology gives the

student the necessary training in gathering

material and arranging or card-indexing them,

participation in the field work when required,

and also training in techniques for the collection

of data appropriate to particular problems, in the

use of statistics, questionnaires and controlled

experimentation and in recording evidence, sorting

it out and interpreting it.

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• In fact, importance of knowing the methodology

of research or how research is done stems from the

following considerations :

– The knowledge of methodology provides good

training specially to new researcher and enables

him to do better research. It helps him to

develop disciplined thinking to observe the field

objectively.

– Knowledge of how to do research will inculcate

the ability to evaluate and use research results

with reasonable confidence.

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• When one knows how research is done, then one may

have the satisfaction of acquiring a new intellectual

tool which can become a way of looking at the world

and of judging everyday experience. Accordingly, it

enables use to make intelligent decisions concerning

problems facing us in practical life at different points of

time. Thus, the knowledge of research methodology

provides tools to took at things in life objectively.

• The knowledge of methodology helps the consumer of

research results to evaluate them and enables him to

take rational decisions.

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1.9. RESEARCH PROCESSES

• Research process consists of series of actions or

steps necessary to effectively carry out research

and the desired sequencing of these steps.

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I

II

1.9. RESEARCH PROCESSES

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III

Determine Research Design

Analyze and Interpret the Data

Design Sample and Collect Data

Formulate Problem

Design Data Collection

Method and Forms

Prepare the Research Report

IV

1.9.1. PROCESS OF FORMULATING RESEARCH QUESTION [S]

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1.10. CRITERIA OF GOOD RESEARCH

• The objective of the research clearly defined

• The research methodology used should be described in

sufficient detail to permit another researcher to repeat

the research for further advancement

• The writing should be done with complete frankness –

nothing which has bearing on the result should be

hidden

• The validity and reliability of data as a well as

calculations should be re-checked to avoid mistakes

• Conclusions should be confined to those justified by

data and analysis

• Researcher should be a person of integrity

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1.10. CRITERIA OF GOOD RESEARCH

• Clarity and relevance of the problem

• Researchability of the problem

• Adequacy and relevance of the literature review

• Match between the purpose, design and method

• Suitability of the sampling procedure and the

sample

• Correctness of the analytical procedure

• Clarity of findings

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1.11. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY RESEARCHERS IN

ETHIOPIA

• Insufficient interaction between academics and

practitioners

• Lack of training on the part of researchers

• Fear that information provided to researchers may

be used against them

• Secondary sources of data are not timely available

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Way forward to overcome research problems in Ethiopia

• Greater interaction between academic institutions and practicing organizations/ government/ NGOs etc.

• More education and training on research methodology

• National Policy on Research mentioning that research data can not be used against the person

• Timely publication of secondary data and enforcement of act on “Right to Information”

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1.11. PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY RESEARCHERS IN ETHIOPIA

47 AAIT SMIE

The following are some of the research activities in the area of Renewable energy

technologies :

• Solar Energy

– Photovoltaic • Low cost Photovoltaic

• Producing PV cells in Ethiopia

– Solar heating • Low cost solar water heating systems

• Maximizing efficiency of solar water heating systems

• Low cost solar cooker

• Solar thermal power plant ?

• Biomass energy

– Improved Biomass cooking stove (ηth = 40 % )

--- > Finding ways to further increase the efficiency ?

– Biomass for electricity generation in Ethiopia?

– Biomass gasification technology ?

– Biomass pyrolysis technology ?

– Biochar from agricultural wastes ?

• Biogas upgrading and Electricity Generation from biogas ?

• Energy recovery from Waste (Combustion, Gasification and pyrolysis) ?

• Maximizing the energy potential of geothermal power plant

• Small scale hydropower plant

• Wind energy assessment in complex terrain with high resolution

Research activities

THE END

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chapter 1 introduction wondwossen bogale (phd) assistant

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